The average life expectancy of someone who voted Brexit is far lower than a Remain voter, according to a CNN journalist citing apparent YouGov and ONS data, meaning that “those who must live with the result of the EU Referendum the longest want to remain”.

In his victory speech at Vote Leave headquarters, Boris Johnson said: “I want to speak directly to the millions of people who did not vote for this outcome, especially young people, who may feel that this decision involves somehow pulling up the drawbridge, because I think the very opposite is true.

“We cannot turn our backs on Europe, we are part of Europe, our children and our grandchildren will continue to have a wonderful future as Europeans.

Young people demonstrating outside the gates of Downing Street at the result said they had been “robbed” of their futures.

Barman Richie Xavier, 21, said: “In a way I don’t feel it is right for the old people to speak for us. Not to be insensitive, but we have a lot longer to go than they do. So I do feel a little bit robbed of my future today.”

Paddy Baker, 21, said: “This vote was too close to go through. Older people voted for this, but we are the ones who are going to feel the ramifications. I am going to feel the ramifications for the rest of my life.

“It was a real shame that the 16 and 17-year-olds were not allowed to vote, as they were in the Scottish referendum.”

3/4 of people my age didn't vote for this, and are having to deal with the fact that our futures were decided for by older generations